Aitor Herrera - Back In Bilbao

[Klippybo]

SEPTEMBER

​​v
Valencia 4 (Matuidi 6, 33, Soler 45, 52)
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Muniain 4, Raul Garcia 42)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez (San Jose), Yuri, Merino, Iturraspe, Williams (Aketxe), Raul Garcia, Muniain, Iribar (Goni)

Our tough start to the season continued here and to be fair this was a decent result as it should have been 15-0 tbh. They even had 2 goals disallowed in the last few minutes and Laporte picked up a knock. A horrible match for us.

--

UEFA Champions League Group G
v
​​Athletic Bilbao 1 (Williams 86)
RB Leipzig 1 (Petagna 35)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino (Armillas), Iturraspe, Williams*, Iribarren, Muniain (Cordoba), Iribar (Goni)

Leipzig have some decent players so a draw is ok but it is 1 win from 4 games this season and Iribar has yet to score......

Raul Garcia got injured beforehand and is out for 2-3 months.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 3 (Iribarren 26, 28, Iribar 37)
Deportivo La Coruna 2 (Sotiriou 70, Palmer 83)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose (Yeray), Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino, Iturraspe (Armillas), Williams, Iribarren*, Muniain (Cordoba), Iribar

An enthralling game. Arrizabalaga saved a penalty and then we broke up the park to score through Iribarren and 2min later he got the 2nd. Iribar added a 3rd and we were on easy street but then Iturraspe got injured (out for 3-4 weeks) and they bombarded us but we held on to win.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Muniain 26, Iribarren 53)
Malaga 0

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Yuri (Ganea), Merino (Vesga), Armillas, Williams, Iribarren*, Muniain, Iribar (Goni)

A good solid win with Iribarren starring once again as he scored and assisted. Armillas and Muniain picked up injuries though as the physios keep getting busier. 5 players injured at the moment.

--

v
​​Girona 0
Athletic Bilbao 3 (Iribar 26, Cordoba 52, Aketxe 82)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose, Inigo Martinez (Yeray), Yuri*, Merino, Vesga (Zerhouni), Williams, Iribarren (Aketxe), Cordoba, Iribar

Very good. My two teenagers up top are beginning to click. Iribarren got an assist when he slid in a beautiful pass for Aketxe to get the 3rd while Iribar scored with a great first time finish at the near post.

--

SUMMARY

This month had a horrible start as Valencia thumped us and that was followed by a draw against Leipzig but then we kicked on and won the next 3 games which was very impressive considering our injury list. From the 1st game of the season, in our last match, only 5 started both matches to put that into context!!!

Iribar and Iribarren (very similar names - also have David and Darko Garcia in the ranks) are beginning to click. Iribarren has started a few games in previous seasons so is finding it easier but if Iribar can keep on going as he is he can only get better which is my hope.

Tbh I am pretty optimistic as due to our tough opening fixtures against Valencia, Atletico and Villarreal it means we pretty much have easy fixtures apart from when we come up against Sevilla, Barca and Real so we have a chance to build up some serious momentum.

--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
JON ANDER IRIBARREN
View attachment 61404

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LEAGUE TABLE
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[gthame1992]

Found the next CM midfield wonder of the world, aka the new CM Aitor Herrera.

 

[Klippybo]

Found the next CM midfield wonder of the world, aka the new CM Aitor Herrera.

Lets see then!!!!

 

[gthame1992]

Lets see then!!!!

I mean have you found it yet.

 

[Klippybo]

OCTOBER

UEFA Champions League Group G

v
​​Sporting Lisbon 2 (Soares 16, 45)
Athletic Bilbao 4 (Iribar 3, Cordoba 14, Iribarren 15, Williams 33)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos (Lekue), Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino (Aketxe), Vegas, Williams, Iribarren, Cordoba, Iribar

For 35min or so it was possibly a sign of the heady days to come as we terrorised Sporting but then we took our foot off the pedal and they pulled 2 back.

--

v
​​Celta Vigo 2 (Wass 17, Sisto 38)
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Iribar 28, 86)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino, Vesga (Ganea), Williams (Aketxe), Iribarren, Muniain (Cordoba), Iribar

Has Iribar arrived?? He scored 2 equalisers here and the 2nd one was a beauty as he was put through and he took the shot early and finished from 25 yards.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 4 (Williams 16, 22, Iribarren 43, Iribar 54)
Alaves 0

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino (Vesga), Iturraspe, Williams*, Iribarren, Muniain (Cordoba), Iribar

Another scintillating performance from my young side. Williams and Iribarren were unstoppable while Yuri continues to impress at LB.

--

UEFA Champions League Group G

v
​​Shakhtar Donetsk 0
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Iribar 27)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri*, Merino (Armillas), Iturraspe, Williams (Vesga), Aketxe, Muniain (Cordoba), Iribar

A fine win. Iribar converted from a Yuri through ball and that was enough for the 3pts as we take control of the group.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 1 (Iribar 3)
Rayo Vallecano 0

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos (Yeray), Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino, Iturraspe, Williams, Iribarren*, Cordoba (Aketxe), Iribar

When Iribar scored (again) so early I thought we would get a few more but it was not to be unfortunately. Hey ho.

--

Copa del Rey 4th Round 1st Leg
v
​​Real Valladolid 0
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Aketxe 10, Vesga 37)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, Lekue, San Jose, Yeray, Ganea, Armillas, Vesga*, Munoz (Alvarez de Lara), Aketxe, Cordoba (Castillo), Goni (Villalibre)

Out came the backups and some kids and they did a good job here. Goni didn't impress much however which was a disappointment.

--

SUMMARY

This month was near perfect as we really performed very well as we won all our games apart from an away draw to Celta Vigo. We lie in 3rd place which is decent enough and we are looking good in both the cups.

Andoni Iribar was excellent. He scored in every game he played and is taking away the goalscoring burden off my attacking midfielders. He signed a new contract during the month too so he is really performing well. Iribarren, average rating wise, is far exceeding him btw!!!!

--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
ANDONI IRIBAR
View attachment 61368
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LEAGUE TABLE
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[Klippybo]

I mean have you found it yet.

God no!!!!!

Armillas and Iribar are top quality but Aitor was Pele like!!!!

 

[Klippybo]

Solid end to last season mate and like that youre putting some faith in the youth. Making me wanna start a Bilbao save but I'm enjoying A.C. Milan too much atm!

AC Milan have some talent. 2 worldie keepers!!!! How you getting on with them?

You got a story up?

 

[Ralph2211]

Looking solid, as I must admit I was concerned you may struggle for goals but the youngsters have proved me wrong.

 

[Klippybo]

NOVEMBER

​​v
Espanyol 0
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Williams 19)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri*, Merino, Iturraspe, Williams, Iribarren, Muniain (Cordoba), Iribar (Goni)

Another tough match which we just sneaked thanks to Williams' goal. Yuri excelled yet again!

--

UEFA Champions League Group G
v

Athletic Bilbao 1 (Cordoba 90)
Shakhtar Donetsk 0

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri (Ganea), Armillas, Iturraspe, Williams, Iribarren, Muniain (Cordoba*), Iribar (Goni)

This win almost secures qualification. It was petering out to a nil nil draw and then they had Taison sent-off and we then piled on the pressure. Cordoba struck in stoppage time to give us the points.

--

v
​​Real Madrid 5 (Ronaldo 26, 60, Kane 55, 72, Isco 77)
Athletic Bilbao 3 (Muniain 45, Nacho og84, Goni 85)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte (Vesga), Inigo Martinez, Yuri (Ganea), Merino, San Jose, Williams, Aketxe, Muniain, Iribar (Goni)

We pulled 2 goals back late on to gain some resemblance of respectability as Real hammered us in the 2nd half. Our wait to win against Real, Barca and Atletico goes on........

--

v
​​Levante 1 (Munir 76)
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Iribar 17)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino (Armillas), Iturraspe, Aketxe, Iribarren, Muniain (Cordoba), Iribar (Goni)

Levante have been the surprise package so far as they sit in 4th place going into the game so a point is not too bad. In the end a point is great as they absolutely murdered us.

--

UEFA Champions League Group G
v
​​RB Leipzig 2 (Schindler 8pen, Petagna 15)
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Williams 21, Iribarren 63)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez (Yeray), Yuri, Merino, Iturraspe (Raul Garcia), Williams, Iribarren, Muniain, Iribar (Goni)

This point is enough for us to qualify for the next stage but the group is not won yet.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 4 (Iturraspe 28, 90, Williams 34, Laporte 67pen)
Eibar 0

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino, Iturraspe*, Williams, Iribarren, Muniain (Cordoba), Iribar

A very good performance. I don't know what was more surprising - Iturraspe scoring twice or Laporte taking a penalty! Muniain got injured and is out for a few weeks.

--

SUMMARY

Things on the pitch were quite good this month apart from our defeat against Real Madrid which although understandable was infuriating as we still have to beat one of the top 3 and that has to end soon.

Off the pitch we received a major boost as I not only received a bigger transfer budget but also a bigger wage budget which gives me about £30m to spend - on nobody lol.

I also signed a new contract during the month until 2023.

--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
INAKI WILLIAMS
View attachment 61274

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LEAGUE TABLE
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[Klippybo]

DECEMBER

Copa del Rey 4th Round 2nd Leg
v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Goni 15, Aketxe 30)
Real Valladolid 1 (Eugeni 25)
(Agg: 4-1)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, Lekue, San Jose, Yeray (David Garcia), Ganea (Darko Garcia), Armillas, Vesga, Aketxe*, Raul Garcia, Cordoba, Goni (Villalibre)

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Carrico og5, Cordoba 22)
Sevilla 1 (Muriel 45)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte (San Jose), Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino, Iturraspe, Williams, Iribarren (Raul Garcia), Cordoba, Iribar (Goni)

Sevilla started off the season really poorly but have recovered a bit but we had enough about ourselves to beat them here.

--

UEFA Champions League Group G
v

​​Athletic Bilbao 4 (Goni 7, 47, 70, Cordoba 30)
Sporting Lisbon 1 (Bahebeck 64)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, Lekue, San Jose, Yeray, Ganea (Darko Garcia), Armillas, Vesga (Zerhouni), Aketxe (Munoz), Raul Garcia, Cordoba, Goni*

A fantastic way to end the group stage as my backups thumped Sporting Lisbon. They did have a man sent-off which helped but Goni has announced his arrival with a hat-trick.

--

v
Real Sociedad 1 (Oyarzabal 60)
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Williams 3, Cordoba 66)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte (San Jose), Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino, Iturraspe, Williams*, Iribarren (Raul Garcia), Cordoba, Iribar (Goni)

Derby day joy. We weren't really troubled tbh and Aymeric Laporte missed a penalty which would have put us on easy street. Think I may take a look at my penalty taker lists!

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 3 (Iribarren 14, Iribar 18, 51)
Real Betis 1 (Sanabria 53)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez (San Jose), Yuri (Lekue), Merino (Armillas), Iturraspe, Williams, Iribarren, Cordoba, Iribar*

4 wins on the spin in the league now. They had a man sent-off for the final 20min but we didn't take advantage of that unfortunately.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Cordoba 13, Laporte 53)
Real Zaragoza 1 (Ejupi 24)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino, Iturraspe (Armillas), Williams (Aketxe), Iribarren*, Cordoba, Iribar (Goni)

Cordoba has now scored in 3 out of the 4 league games that Muniain has been out for and he has scored in the Champions League too but unfortunately for him, Muniain is almost match fit.

--

SUMMARY

This month was perfect. We won every match including the big derby v Sociedad plus got a big win over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League. We end the month sitting pretty in 2nd place but Barcelona - who we haven't played yet - are looking menacing at the top.

Off the field we have been given two tough cup draws - Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey and PSG in the Champions League. Given our record against the top sides I am not hopeful. I also have a new chairman as the presidential elections took place but he seems happy enough with me.

Finally the B side aren't doing well this season. They started brightly but are currently just hanging on to a top 10 place.

--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
INIGO CORDOBA
View attachment 61114

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LEAGUE TABLE
View attachment 61115
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[Klippybo]

JANUARY

v
Barcelona 4 (Paulinho 44, D.Suarez 67, Coutinho 77, Dembele 90)
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Iribar 41)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte (San Jose), Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino, Iturraspe, Williams, Iribarren (Aketxe), Cordoba (Muniain), Iribar

We took the lead with our first attack and if we could have held on to half time things may have been different but we got Yuri sent-off when he gave away a penalty (which was saved) and then they scored 3 more to thump us.

--

Copa del Rey 5th Round 1st Leg
v
Atletico Madrid 2 (Gonzalez 75, Vitolo 90)
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Muniain 22)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino (Armillas), Iturraspe, Williams , Iribarren (Aketxe), Muniain, Iribar (Goni)

FFS!!!! Don't get me wrong we didn't deserve to win but once again we fail to beat one of the "big 3". Our away goal could be vital but their last minute goal was infuriating.

--

v
Athletic Bilbao 5 (Iribar 13, 18, 24, Inigo Martinez 43, Muniain 62)
Getafe 0

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Lekue (Yeray), Merino, Iturraspe (Armillas), Williams, Iribarren, Muniain, Iribar*

That's much better!!!! Iribar was amazing as he notched a hat-trick but now we have back to back home games against Atletico Madrid........

--

Copa del Rey 5th Round 2nd Leg

v
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Williams 52, Cordoba 90)
Atletico Madrid 0
(Agg: 3-2)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino, Iturraspe (Armillas), Williams, Iribarren*, Muniain (Cordoba), Iribar (Goni)

AT ******* LAST!!!!!!!!

Finally we beat one of the "big 3" as we defeat Atletico to take us into the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.

--

v
Athletic Bilbao 4 (Merino 30, Savic og58, Iribarren 78, Cordoba 88)
Atletico Madrid 2 (Griezmann 4, Gonzalez 87)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri (Darko Garcia), Merino*, Iturraspe, Williams, Iribarren, Muniain (Cordoba), Iribar (Goni)

We beat Atletico again!!!! We fell behind early on and then got into half-time level but in the 2nd half we dominated and managed to win convincingly.

--

Copa del Rey Quarter-Final 1st Leg

v

Barcelona 2 (Abel Ruiz 79, 90)
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Muniain 21)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Armillas, Iturraspe (Vesga), Williams (Aketxe), Iribarren, Muniain, Iribar (Villalibre)

You may expect me to be raging at coming so close to a victory over Barcelona only to have it turned into a defeat but no. They had 34 shots to our 4 so the fact that we have a chance to progress is amazing!!!!

--

v
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Williams 49)
Valencia 1 (Vietto 32)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, San Jose, Yuri, Merino, Armillas (Vesga), Williams, Iribarren, Muniain (Cordoba), Iribar (Goni)

We played well enough and created enough chances to win the game but it wasn't to be.

--

Copa del Rey Quarter-Final 2nd Leg

v

Athletic Bilbao 1 (Goni 26)
Barcelona 1 (Abel Ruiz 88)
(Agg: 2-3)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino (San Jose), Armillas, Williams (Aketxe), Iribarren (Vesga), Muniain, Goni

This is absolutely heartbreaking as we were 2min away from beating Barcelona and knocking them out of the cup but Abel Ruiz scored yet again against us to eliminate us.

--

SUMMARY

This month certainly had its ups and downs. We got thumped by Barca in the league before losing to Atletico Madrid but then we stormed back to thump Getafe and then finally beat Atletico Madrid not once but twice in the league and cup. We then had 2 further battles against Barcelona where we almost won both but ultimately got knocked out of the cup.

Regarding the transfer window I didn't sign anyone but a few went. Cristian Ganea was sold to FC Koln in a deal which could be worth nearly £4m while Raul Garcia completed his £1m move to Watford. Asier Benito - my B team striker - was sold for £350,000 - and I loaned out several other players.

--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
IKER MUNIAIN
View attachment 61030--

LEAGUE TABLE
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[ScottT]

You're not too far off Madrid in 2nd, which shows that progression is being made all the time. Very unlucky in the cup against Barcelona, such a narrow defeat - must be an agonizing loss for you.

 

[Osman71]

[FONT=&quot]it's a beautiful career. I'm glad to follow. Good luck[/FONT]

 

[Andrewpage14]

Unlucky to go out to Barca. Your story years ago made me start my own Bilbao save!

 

[Klippybo]

FEBRUARY

​​v

​​Villarreal 0
Athletic Bilbao 0

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino*, Iturraspe, Williams (Aketxe), Iribarren (Armillas), Muniain, Goni (Jimenez)

Nothing happened lol. This is the first game this season where we have failed to score.

--

v

​​Deportivo La Coruna 0
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Cordoba 73)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri (Darko Garcia), Merino, Iturraspe, Williams, Iribarren (Aketxe), Muniain (Cordoba), Iribar*

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 1 (Williams 39)
Girona 0

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino, Iturraspe (Armillas), Williams, Iribarren*, Muniain (Cordoba), Iribar (Goni)

The goals have certainly dried up but we aren't conceding any and we are good enough to usually nick a goal. Iribarren was superb here.

--

v

​​Malaga 1 (Guidetti 38)
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Iturraspe 41, Williams 74)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino, Iturraspe* (Armillas), Williams, Iribarren (Aketxe), Muniain, Iribar (Goni)

Malaga just appointed a new manager and they were the better team in truth but Iturraspe and Williams scored with 2 great finishes to give us the win.

But.........

Iturraspe damaged his Achilles tendon and is out for 3-4 months so will miss the rest of the season.

--

UEFA Champions League 1st Round 1st Leg
v

​​Paris Saint-Germain 1 (Guedes 5)
Athletic Bilbao 0

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte*, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino, Armillas (Vesga), Williams, Iribarren (Aketxe), Muniain, Iribar (Goni)

If only we didn't fall asleep at the beginning of the game. I will take a 1-0 defeat though but we suffered another injury, to another CM, this time Armillas, and he is out for a month.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 1 (Juankar og5)
Celta Vigo 1 (Wass 8)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino (San Jose), Vesga, Williams (Aketxe), Iribarren, Muniain, Iribar (Goni)

A poor performance but at the same time we didn't get beat so that's the main thing.

--

SUMMARY

zzzzzzzzzzzz. This wasn't the most exciting month as in the 6 games there was only 8 goals all told. We didn't lose in the league which was ok but in the Champions League we lost the 1st leg to PSG.

Not much else to say really but next month brings us the all important youth intake!!!

--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
AYMERIC LAPORTE
View attachment 60889

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LEAGUE TABLE
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[Klippybo]

MARCH

​​v

​​Alaves 2 (Fernandez 33, Ben-Hatira 43)
Athletic Bilbao 4 (Iribar 13, 56, Williams 28, Iribarren 47)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos (Lekue), Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino (Aketxe), Vesga (San Jose), Williams, Iribarren*, Muniain, Iribar

This could have been 5-2 but Iribar ballooned a penalty over the bar late on to deny him his hat-trick. More bad news though - Merino got injured and is out for a few weeks so that's my 3 first choice CMs out injured.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 5 (Iribarren 4, Vesga 34, Aketxe 45pen, 58, Zerhouni 82)
Espanyol 3 (David Lopez 6, Piatti 77, Podence 90)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Aketxe*, Vesga (Zerhouni), Williams, Iribarren, Muniain, Iribar (Cordoba)

Plenty of goals now!!!! Vesga scored his screamer for the season while Aketxe's 2nd was a beauty too. Zerhouni was called up to the senior team due to my CMs being injured and he scored - and then picked up a knock!

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 0
Real Madrid 0

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Aketxe, Vesga (San Jose), Williams (Zerhouni), Iribarren, Muniain, Iribar (Goni)

This was an incredibly even match although we did have the better chances but the draw leaves us keeping Real at arms length.

--

UEFA Champions League 1st Round 2nd Leg

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 1(Muniain 54)
Paris Saint-Germain 3 (Neymar 39, Toure 74, Guedes 85)
(Agg: 1-4)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Aketxe (Zerhouni), Vesga, Williams (Lekue), Iribarren, Muniain, Iribar (Goni)

The final result was a bit harsh and I am left rueing my injuries as surely with Iturraspe and Merino it would have been closer. That will be another season without a trophy then! Unless I somehow win the league lol

--

v

​​Rayo Vallecano 1 (Mojica 87)
Athletic Bilbao 4 (Aketxe 12, 29pen, 89, Muniain 86)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Aketxe*, Vesga, Williams (Zerhouni), Iribarren (Cordoba), Muniain, Iribar

Ager Aketxe has scored 5 goals in his last 3 league appearances from CM - Merino and Iturraspe haven't scored 5 each all season!

--

SUMMARY

On the field this month was pretty decent. In the league we scored plenty of goals in our 3 wins and then we grinded out a 0-0 draw with Real Madrid. We are 6pts clear of Real but 5pt behind Barcelona so 2nd place looks likely - but we still have Barcelona to play at the San Mames.

In the Champions League we got gubbed by PSG - meh.

Now for the youth intake - I am not saying he is the next Aitor but I did get a player who has gone straight into the 1st team squad (especially with my injuries to CMs!). Methinks 15y/o Txomin Martinez will be a big star!!!
View attachment 60846

I actually got 2 other players who look pretty decent but Martinez is the bomb!!!!

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PLAYER OF THE MONTH
AGER AKETXE
View attachment 60847
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LEAGUE TABLE
View attachment 60845
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[Klippybo]

APRIL

​​v

​​Eibar 1 (Diakhaby 36)
Athletic Bilbao 4 (Iribar 35, 90, Iribarren 66, Armillas 71)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino (Armillas), Vesga, Aketxe, Iribarren*, Muniain (Cordoba), Iribar

Unbelievably Eibar had 26 shots to our 23 in an end to end match so the scoreline doesn't tell the full story. Our 2nd goal was a thing of beauty as Vesga backheeled the ball through to Iribarren who finished 1st time.

--

v

​​Sevilla 3 (Deulofeu 39, Ben Yedder 67, Man 71)
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Iribar 53, Cordoba 68)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino, Vesga (Martinez), Aketxe, Iribarren (Armillas), Muniain (Cordoba), Iribar

This could have been the game that ended our title hopes but fortunately Barcelona lost 2-0. We deserved a point tbh but it was not to be. Martinez made his debut here.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Iribarren 3, Iribar 46)
Levante 0

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino (Martinez), Vesga*, Aketxe (Goni), Iribarren, Muniain (Cordoba), Iribar

Levante have been the surprise packages but we put them to the sword here. Vesga impressed with 2 assists.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 3 (Muniain 30, 71, Cordoba 65)
Real Sociedad 1 (Oyarzabal 59)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino, Vesga (Martinez), Goni (Alvarez de Lara), Iribarren, Muniain*, Iribar (Cordoba)

We went a goal up and then they had a man sent-off and all was good but they equalised and all was not good but we picked up a gear or two and won this derby.

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SUMMARY

What a final month of the season we are in for!!!

We are 4pts behind Barcelona with a game in hand and although our next 3 games are away from home our final match of the season is - at home to Barcelona!!!! It is still a long shot however as we have the 3 away games and we haven't actually managed to beat Barcelona yet so things have to change massively for us.

Everything is crossed lol.

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PLAYER OF THE MONTH
ANDONI IRIBAR
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LEAGUE TABLE
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[Klippybo]

MAY

​​v

​​Real Zaragoza 0
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Iribarren 78, 90)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino, Vesga (Martinez), Williams (Alvarez de Lara), Iribarren*, Muniain (Cordoba), Goni

This type of performance makes me think that we can do it as it was petering out to a goalless draw before Iribarren scored twice late on to give us the points. Muniain and Vesga got injured and are out for the remainder of the season though.

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v

​​Real Betis 0
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Iribarren 53, Jimenez 85)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino (Armillas), Martinez (Zerhouni), Williams, Iribarren*, Cordoba, Goni (Jimenez)

A magnificent victory. I have to be given credit for playing a 15y/o in such an important game. 5 other teenagers played as we go top of the table as Barcelona could only manage a draw.

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v

[/SUP ]​​Getafe 0
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Jimenez 75, Aketxe 86pen)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, Lekue, San Jose, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino (Armillas), Martinez, Williams (Aketxe), Iribarren, Cordoba*, Goni (Jimenez)

WE ARE ON THE BRINK!!!!

Barcelona drew the day before so we move 3pts clear and now just have to avoid defeat on the final day of the season to claim the title. We were missing 5 first choice players here but 2 late goals gave us victory and Cristian Jimenez is possibly our new supersub.

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v
​​Athletic Bilbao 4 (Iribarren 49, 62, Iribar 51, 66)
Barcelona 1 (Messi 4)

Lineup - Arrizabalaga, De Marcos, Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Merino (Armillas), Martinez (Aketxe), Williams, Iribarren*, Cordoba (Jimenez), Iribar

CHAMPIONS!!!!!

UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!

I honestly cant believe what just happened. We fell behind to an early Messi goal and we got into half-time level so I was thinking that if we could just equalise and hold on that would be enough but in the 2nd half we were immense and scored 4 thanks to Iribar and Iribarren in an incredible 17min spell.

Before the game we had come close to beating Barcelona but never managed it so to thump them 4-1 here when it mattered most is amazing. After the match a few of my players said they were motivated after my half-time team talk.

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SUMMARY

WHAT AN END TO THE SEASON!!!

This was the typical "staying-awake-until-the season-is-finished" moment as I kept playing with the tension growing with each game and injury happening but my team were amazing as they won all 4 games to clinch the title.

The first 3 away games were good but the final match against Barcelona was dream like as we thrashed them 4-1 to defeat them for the 1st time. We ended up winning the league by 6pts as Barca lost 1 and drew 3 in their last 4 games as they choked it.

What I have to mention is the youthfulness of my side. 15y/o Txiomin Martinez came into the lineup for the final few games and with Iribarren and Iribar starting and starring and also appearances for Armillas, Goni, Zerhouni, Alvarez de Lara and Jimenez (who scored twice) it shows that the future is bright as all of those players are 18 or under!!!

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PLAYER OF THE MONTH
JON ANDER IRIBARREN
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END OF SEASON POST TO FOLLOW
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[Klippybo]

END OF SEASON POST

As I write this I am still buzzing about my title win. When you take on the challenge of being Athletic manager nothing is more sweeter than your 1st title win although now the trick is to keep winning it.

At the start of the season I thought my squad was weaker with the retirement of Aduriz and although I brought in Laporte I took the risk to introduce a couple of youth players and to sell off some of the old guard and I could not have predicted how much that risk would pay off!!!

My take on how it worked is this - PACE!!!!! With Aduriz and Raul Garcia as my ST & AMC they were fine players and Aduriz was a magnificent finisher but they were much slower than my two teenage sensations Iribar and Iribarren. They were able to get up the pitch quicker and where as last season Williams and Muniain would bomb forward and wait for Aduriz and Raul Garcia to catch up - this term we had 2 lads keeping up with them.

There was a couple of disappointments however as we exited the Champions League in the 1st knockout round and we really should have knocked out Barcelona in the Copa del Rey and yet again we failed to get past the quarter-final stage.

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FINAL LEAGUE TABLE
View attachment 60755

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FIRST TEAM SQUAD
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I find it hard to find a poor performer this season tbh. I could nitpick at Merino only scoring 1 goal but he played well and got plenty of assists. De Marcos didn't score or get an assist either but performed ok. All was good!!!

The standout was undoubtedly Jon Ander Iribarren. Remember, he was a regen who my DoF spotted at the start of the game, and in his first season as a first pick he was excellent as he scored 17 goals and got 22 assists and he has only just turned 19y/o!!!

Andoni Iribar did well too in his 1st season as a 1st teamer as he scored over 20 goals which was his target. He can only get better. A special mention has to go to my on loan defender Yuri who did fantastically well and I will see if I can get a decent deal for him in the summer.

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OTHER NEWS AND STUFF
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As you can see here - the San Mames is getting expanded by a massive 17,000 seats at a cost of £77m. I have a £24m budget for the summer so might be able to save some of that to help the stadium renovation lol.

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B TEAM

After last seasons heroics they finished a disappointing 12th. Villalibre hardly scored which was a surprise and it was a season to forget really.
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[Osman71]

well, congratulations. excellent success.